SECTION 555

DIRECTIONAL BORE
555-1 Description.
555-1.1 Scope of Work: The work specified in this Section documents the approved
construction methods, procedures and materials for Directional Boring, also commonly called
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD).
555-1.2 General: HDD is a trenchless method for installing a product that serves as a
conduit for liquids, gasses, or as a duct for pipe, cable, or wire line products. It is a multi-stage
process consisting of site preparation and restoration, equipment setup, and drilling a pilot bore
along a predetermined path and then pulling the product back through the drilled space. When
necessary, enlargement of the pilot bore hole may be necessary to accommodate a product larger
than the pilot bore hole size. This process is referred to as back reaming and is done at the same
time the product is being pulled back through the pilot bore hole.
Accomplish alignment of the bore by proper orientation of the drill bit head as it
is being pushed into the ground by a hydraulic jack. Determine orientation and tracking of the
drill bit by an above ground radio detection device which picks up a radio signal generated from a
transmitter located within the drill bit head. Then electronically translate the radio signal into
depth and alignment. In order to minimize friction and prevent collapse of the bore hole,
introduce a soil stabilizing agent (drilling fluid) into the annular bore space from the trailing end
of the drill bit. The rotation of the bit in the soil wetted by the drilling fluid creates a slurry. The
slurry acts to stabilize the surrounding soil and prevent collapse of the bore hole as well as
provides lubrication.
Select or design drilling fluids for the site specific soil and ground water
conditions. Confine free flowing (escaping) slurry or drilling fluids at the ground surface during
pull back or drilling. Accomplish this by creating sump areas or vacuum operations to prevent
damage or hazardous conditions in surrounding areas. Remove all residual slurry from the surface
and restore the site to preconstruction conditions.

555-2 Materials.
555-2.1 General: Materials are defined as pipe or conduit that becomes the installed
product. Incidental materials that may or may not be used to install the product depending on
field requirements are not paid for separately and will be included in the cost of the installed
product.
555-2.2 Material Type: The following material standards are to be interpreted as the
minimum in place standards. Use materials that are appropriate for the stresses generated by the
selected equipment and field conditions. It is not intended to portray that the use of materials with
these minimum material standards will retain their required properties if the stress limits are
exceeded for which they were designed during installation. Ensure that the appropriate material is
used to retain compliance once it is installed.

Material Type

Material Standards for HDD Installation

Non-Pressure

Polyethylene (PE)

ASTM D 2447

High Density Polyethylene

(HDPE)

ASTM D 2447
ASTM D 3350
ASTM F714

Polyvinyl-Chloride (PVC)

ASTM F 789

Steel

ASTM A139 Grade B (1)

(1)

Pressure
ASTM 2513
ASTM D 2447
ASTM D 2447
ASTM D 3350
ASTM F714
ASTM 2513
N/A
AWWA C200
API 2B(2)

No hydrostatic test required

Dimensional tolerances only

(2)

555-3 Construction Site Requirements.

555-3.1 Legal Provisions: Comply with the following site condition provisions:
(a) Chapter 556, FS for Sunshine State One Call. Use methods for marking
utilities that minimize impact on other construction or maintenance activities, including mowing
operations, which may be conducted throughout the project on a cyclic basis. Limit marking to
painting unless approved by the Engineer. When and where flagging of existing utilities is
required, limit flagging to an area for which construction can be accomplished in no more than 14
consecutive days, unless approved by the Engineer.
(b) The Americans With Disabilities Act. When and where product lines are
temporarily allowed to be exposed through sidewalk areas for periods exceeding two consecutive
work days, ensure that an alternate route is provided that meets ADA requirements.
555-3.2 Site Conditions:
(a) Carry out excavation for entry, exit, recovery pits, slurry sump pits, or any
other excavation as specified in Section 120. Sump pits are required to contain drilling fluids if
vacuum devices are not operated throughout the drilling operation, unless approved by the
Engineer.
(b) Within 48 hours of completing installation of the boring product, clean the
work site of all excess slurry or spoils. Take responsibility for the removal and final disposition of
excess slurry or spoils. Ensure that the work site is restored to pre-construction conditions or as
identified on the plans.
(c) Provide MOT in accordance with the Department Design Standards and the
MUTCD when and where the former is silent.
(d) Exposure of product shall be limited to 3 feet (1m) and 14 consecutive days
unless approved by the Engineer.
555-3.3 Damage Restoration: Take responsibility for restoration for any damage caused
by heaving, settlement, separation of pavement, escaping drilling fluid (frac-out), or the
directional drilling operation, at no cost to the Department.
555-3.3.1 Remediation Plans: When required by the Engineer, provide detailed
plans which show how damage to any roadway facility will be remedied. These details will
become part of the As-Built Plans Package. Remediation Plans must follow the same guidelines
for development and presentation of the As-Built Plans. When remediation plans are required,
they must be approved by the Engineer before any work proceeds.

555-4 Quality Control.

555-4.1 General: Take control of the operation at all times. Have a representative who is
thoroughly knowledgeable of the equipment, boring and Department procedures, present at the
job site during the entire installation and available to address immediate concerns and emergency

operations. Notify the Engineer 48 hours in advance of starting work. Do not begin installation
until the Engineer is present at the job site and agrees that proper preparations have been made.
555-4.1.1 Product Testing: When there is any indication that the installed
product has sustained damage and may leak, stop all work, notify the Engineer and investigate
damage. The Engineer may require a pressure test and reserves the right to be present during the
test. Perform pressure test within 24 hours unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. Furnish a
copy of test results to the Engineer for review and approval. The Engineer is allowed up to 72
hours to approve or determine if the product installation is not in compliance with the
specifications. The Engineer may require non-compliant installations to be filled with excavatable
flowable fill.
555-4.1.2 Testing Methods: Testing may consist of one of the following
methods and must always meet or exceed the Departments testing requirements:
(a) Follow the product manufacturers pressure testing recommendations.
(b) Ensure that product carrier pipes installed without a casing meet the
pressure requirements set by the owner. If the owner does not require pressure testing, the
Engineer may require at least one test.
(c) A water tight pipe and joint configuration where the product is
installed beneath any pavement (including sidewalk) and front shoulders is required. The
Engineer will determine when and where water tight joint requirements will be applied to the
ultimate roadway section for future widening. When a product is located elsewhere, the pipe and
joint configuration must meet or exceed soil tight joint requirements. Conduct tests for joint
integrity for one hour. The test for a soil tight joint allows up to 0.1 gallon [0.4 liter] of water
leakage at a sustained pressure of 2 PSI [13.79 kPa]. The water tight joint criteria allows no
leakage at all for a sustained pressure of 5 PSI [34.47 kPa].
555-4.1.3 Failed Bore Path: If conditions warrant removal of any materials
installed in a failed bore path, as determined by the Engineer, it will be at no cost to the
Department. Promptly fill all voids by injecting all taken out of service products that have any
annular space with excavatable flowable fill.
555-4.2 Product Locating and Tracking: The method of locating and tracking the drill
head during the pilot bore will be shown in the plans. The Department recognizes walkover, wire
line, and wire line with surface grid verification, or any other system as approved by the
Engineer, as the accepted methods of tracking directional bores. Use a locating and tracking
system capable of ensuring that the proposed installation is installed as intended. If an area of
radio signal interference is expected to exceed 5 feet [1.5 m], the Engineer may specify the use of
a suitable tracking system. The locating and tracking system must provide information on:
(a) Clock and pitch information
(b) Depth
(c) Transmitter temperature
(d) Battery status
(e) Position (x,y)
(f) Azimuth, where direct overhead readings (walkover) are not possible (i.e.
subaqueous or limited access transportation facility)
(g) Ensure proper calibration of all equipment before commencing directional
drilling operation.
(h) Take and record alignment readings or plot points such that elevations on top
of and offset dimensions from the center of the product to a permanent fixed feature are provided.
Such permanent fixed feature must have prior approval of the Engineer. Provide elevations and
dimensions at all bore alignment corrections (vertical and horizontal) with a minimum distance
between points of 100 feet [30 m]. Provide a sufficient number of elevations and offset distances
to accurately plot the vertical and horizontal alignment of the installed product. A minimum of
three elevation and plot points are required.

Install all facilities such that their location can be readily determined by
electronic designation after installation. For non-conductive installations, attach a minimum of
two separate and continuous conductive tracking (tone wire) materials, either externally,
internally or integral with the product. Use either a continuous green sheathed solid conductor
copper wire line (minimum #12 AWG for external placement or minimum #14 AWG for internal
placement in the conduit/casing) or a coated conductive tape. Conductors must be located on
opposite sides when installed externally. Connect any break in the conductor line before
construction with an electrical clamp, or solder, and coat the connection with a rubber or plastic
insulator to maintain the integrity of the connection from corrosion. Clamp connections must be
made of brass or copper and of the butt end type with wires secured by compression. Soldered
connections must be made by tight spiral winding of each wire around the other with a finished
length minimum of 3 inches [76 mm] overlap. Tracking conductors must extend 2 feet [610 mm]
beyond bore termini. Test conductors for continuity. Each conductor that passes must be
identified as such by removing the last 6 inches [152 mm] of the sheath. No deductions are
allowed for failed tracking conductors. Failed conductor ends must be wound into a small coil
and left attached for future use.
555-4.3 Product Bore Hole Diameter: Minimize potential damage from soil
displacement/settlement by limiting the ratio of the bore hole to the product size. The size of the
back reamer bit or pilot bit, if no back reaming is required, will be limited relative to the product
diameter to be installed as follows:
Maximum Pilot or Back-Reamer Bit Diameter When Rotated 360 Degrees
Nominal Inside Pipe Diameter Inches [mm]
Bit Diameter Inches [mm]
2 [50]
4 [100]
3 [75]
6 [150]
4 [100]
8 [200]
6 [150]
10 [250]
8 [200]
12 [300]
10 [250]
14 [350]
12 [300] and greater
Maximum Product OD plus 6 [150]
555-4.4 Drilling Fluids: Use a mixture of bentonite clay or other approved stabilizing
agent mixed with potable water with a minimum pH of 6.0 to create the drilling fluid for
lubrication and soil stabilization. Vary the fluid viscosity to best fit the soil conditions
encountered. Do not use any other chemicals or polymer surfactants in the drilling fluid without
written consent from the Engineer. Certify to the Engineer in writing that any chemicals to be
added are environmentally safe and not harmful or corrosive to the facility. Identify the source of
water for mixing the drilling fluid. Approvals and permits are required for obtaining water from
such sources as streams, rivers, ponds or fire hydrants. Any water source used other than a
potable water may require a pH test.
555-4.5 Equipment Requirements: Ensure that appropriate equipment is provided to
facilitate the installation as follows:

System
Description
Maxi-HDD

(1)

Pipe (1) Diameter

Inches [mm]
18 [450]
and greater

Midi-HDD

Up to 16 [400]

Mini-HDD

Up to 6 [150]

HDD Equipment
Bore Length
Feet [m]
>1,000 [305]

Torque
Ft-Lbs [nm]

>10,000 [13,558] >70,000 [311.375]

1,900 to 9,999
Up to 1,000 [305]
[2,576 to 13,557]
Up to 600 [180]

Trust/Pullback
Lbs [kN]

Up to 1,899
[Up to 2,575]

20,001 to 69,999
[88.969 to
311.374]
Up to 20,000
[Up to 88.964]

For the above, multiple pipe or conduit installations must not exceed the total outside pipe diameters stated above.

Match equipment to the size of pipe being installed. Obtain the Engineers
approval for installations differing from the above chart. Ensure that the drill rod can meet the
bend radius required for the proposed installation.
555-4.6 Thrust/Pullback Requirements: Unless approved by the Engineer, limit use of
HDD equipment to installing the following product sizes and lengths based on the following
product size, force and length relationships.

Lbs
kN
Product
Size (1)
Inches [mm]
4 [100]
or <
6 [150]
or <
8 [200]
or <
10 [250]
or <
12 [300]
or <

HDD Bore Equipment Thrust/Pullback Capacity

5,000 to
7,001 to
12,001 to
16,001 to
25,001 to
7,000
12,000
16,000
25,000
40,000
22.241 to
31.139 to
53.380 to
71.173 to
111.207 to
31.138
53.379
71.172
111.206
177.929

>40,000
>177.929

Maximum Pullback Distance In Feet [m]

400 [122]
or <
600 [183]
or <

> 12 [300]
(1)

800 [244]
or <
1,000 [305]
or <
2,000 [610]
or <
Engineers
Discretion

for the above, where a single pull of multiple conduits is to be attempted, the applicable product size must be
determined by the diameter of a circle that will circumscribe the individual conduits as a group.

555-5 Drilling Operations:

555-5.1 Installation Process: Ensure adequate removal of soil cuttings and stability of
the bore hole by monitoring the drilling fluids such as the pumping rate, pressures, viscosity and
density during the pilot bore, back reaming and pipe installation. Relief holes can be used as
necessary to relieve excess pressure down hole. Obtain the Engineers approval of the location
and all conditions necessary to construct relief holes to ensure the proper disposition of drilling
fluids is maintained and unnecessary inconvenience is minimized to other facility users.

To minimize heaving during pull back, the pull back rate is determined in order
to maximize the removal of soil cuttings without building excess down hole pressure. Contain
excess drilling fluids at entry and exit points until they are recycled or removed from the site or
vacuumed during drilling operations. Ensure that entry and exit pits are of sufficient size to
contain the expected return of drilling fluids and soil cuttings.
Ensure that all drilling fluids are disposed of or recycled in a manner acceptable
to the appropriate local, state, or federal regulatory agencies. When drilling in suspected
contaminated ground, test the drilling fluid for contamination and appropriately dispose of it.
Remove any excess material upon completion of the bore. If in the drilling process it becomes
evident that the soil is contaminated, contact the Engineer immediately. Do not continue drilling
without the Engineers approval.
The timing of all boring processes is critical. Install a product into a bore hole
within the same day that the pre-bore is completed to ensure necessary support exists.
555-5.2 Boring Failure: If an obstruction is encountered during boring which prevents
completion of the installation in accordance with the design location and specification, the pipe
may be taken out of service and left in place at the discretion of the Engineer. Immediately fill the
product left in place with excavatable flowable fill. Submit a new installation procedure and
revised plans to the Engineer for approval before resuming work at another location. If, during
construction, damage is observed to the FDOT facility, cease all work until resolution to
minimize further damage and a plan of action for restoration is obtained and approved by the
Engineer.

555-6 Documentation Requirements.

555-6.1 Boring Path Report: Furnish a Bore Path Report to the Engineer within seven
days of the completion of each bore path. Include the following in the report:
(a) Location of project and financial project number including the Permit
Number when assigned
(b) Name of person collecting data, including title, position and company name
(c) Investigation site location (Contract plans station number or reference to a
permanent structure within the project right-of-way)
(d) Identification of the detection method used
(e) Elevations and offset dimensions as required in 555-4.3
555-6.2 As-Built Plans: Provide the Engineer a complete set of As-Built Plans showing
all bores (successful and failed) within 30 calendar days of completing the work. Ensure that the
plans are dimensionally correct copies of the Contract plans and include roadway plan and
profile, cross-section, boring location and subsurface conditions as directed by the Engineer. The
plans must show appropriate elevations and be referenced to a Department Bench Mark when
associated with a Department project, otherwise to a USGS grid system and datum, or a specific
location on top of an existing Department head wall. Plans must be same scale in black ink on
white paper, of the same size and weight as the Contract plans. Submittal of electronic plans data
in lieu of hard copy plans is preferred and may be approved by the Engineer if compatible with
the Department software. Specific plans content requirements include but may not be limited to
the following:
(a) The Contract plan view shows the center line location of each facility
installed, or installed and placed out of service, to an accuracy of 1 inch [25 mm] at the ends and
other points physically observed in accordance with the bore path report.
(b) As directed by the Engineer, provide either a profile plan for each bore path,
or a cross-section of the roadway at a station specified by the Engineer, or a roadway centerline
profile. Show the ground or pavement surface and crown elevation of each facility installed, or
installed and placed out of service, to an accuracy within 1 inch [25 mm] at the ends and other
exposed locations. On profile plans for bore paths crossing the roadway show stationing of the

crossing on the Contract plans. On the profile plans for the bore paths paralleling the roadway,
show the Contract plans stationing. If the profile plan for the bore path is not made on a copy of
one of the Contract profile or cross-section sheets, use a 10 to 1 vertical exaggeration.
(c) If, during boring, an obstruction is encountered which prevents completion of
the installation in accordance with the design location and specification, and the product is left in
place and taken out of service, show the failed bore path along with the final bore path on the
plans. Note the failed bore path as Failed Bore Path - Taken Out of Service. Also show the
name of the Utility owner, location and length of the drill head and any drill stems not removed
from the bore path.
(d) Show the top elevation, diameter and material type of all utilities encountered
and physically observed during the subsoil investigation. For all other obstructions encountered
during a subsoil investigation or the installation, show the type of material, horizontal and vertical
location, top and lowest elevation observed, and note if the obstruction continues below the
lowest point observed.
(e) Include bore notes on each plan stating the final bore path diameter, product
diameter, drilling fluid composition, composition of any other materials used to fill the annular
void between the bore path and the product, or facility placed out of service. Note if the product is
a casing as well as the size and type of carrier pipe placed within the casing as part of the
Contract work.

555-7 Method of Measurement.

The method of measurement will be based on the length of product measured in place
along the surface of the ground, complete and accepted. No additions or deductions will be made
for sweeps in either the vertical or horizontal direction to complete the installation.

555-8 Basis of Payment.

Price and payment will be full compensation for all work specified in this Section,
including furnishing and installing pipe or conduit, from plan point of beginning to plan point of
ending at plan depth, removal of excavated materials and spoils, removal and disposal of drilling
fluids, backfilling, and complete restoration of the site. Bundled product in a single bore will be
paid for as a single bore based on the required drill bit head or back reamer head size. Separate
payment shall not be made for individual products in a bundle.
The installation and attachment of tracking conductors (wire or tape) will be included in
the cost of the bore and will not be paid for separately.
No payment will be made for failed bore paths, injection of flowable fill, products taken
out of service or incomplete installations.
No payment will be made for directional boring until a Bore Path Report has been
delivered to the Engineer. After the Engineers acceptance of the Bore Path Report, payment will
be made in the amount of 70% of the unit price bid, for Directional Boring. The remaining 30%
of the unit price bid will be made after submittal of As-Built Plans, in accordance with 555-6.2.
Payment will be made under:
Item No. 555-1 Directional Bore - per foot of bore diameter.
Item No. 2555-1 Directional Bore - per meter of bore diameter.